Graco PM-1589AB User Manual

®
Instruction Manual
Avoid injury or death -
Read and understand this manual!
www.centuryproducts.com PM-1589AB 6/01
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Information.....................................1
Warnings.........................................................2
Basic Information.............................................4
Vehicle Seat Belts........................................... 18
Locking Clip.......................................... 25
Additional Information.................................. 26
• Installation of Anchor Hardware
• Tether Storage
• Care and Cleaning
• Aircraft Use
• Second Hand Car Seat
Before You Begin
Use
Special Information
Height and Weight Limits..................................5
Installation with harness system....................... 6
Installation without harness system.................. 7
Placing Child In Car Seat -
with harness system....................................
8
Placing Child In Car Seat -
withoutharness system......................................
10
Operations and Adjustments ..........................12
• Harness Straps
• Harness Tie
• Buckle
• Recline
• Armrests
• Tether Strap
• Changing Harness Strap Slots
• Changing Crotch Strap Slots
Harness System -
removal and re-assembly..........................
16
This instruction manual is for:
• NextStep Booster Car Seat
• NextStep SE Booster Car Seat
Instructions for these models are the same unless otherwise noted.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
No car seat can guarantee protection from injury in every situation, but proper use helps reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
Child restraints (car seats) could be recalled for safety reasons. You must register this restraint to be reached in a recall. Fill out the registration card attached to car seat and mail today or send your name, address, and the restraint’s model number and manufacturing date to:
Century Products P.O. Box 551 Elverson, PA 19520-9973
or call 1-888-224-6549
For recall information:
• Call the U.S Government’s Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393 (202-366-0123 in D.C. area)
• www.nhtsa.dot.gov
• Call Century Products at 1-800-837-4044
Read and understand instruction manual and
car seat labels.
A vehicle combination lap/shoulder belt MUST
be used when using car seat without harness system.
Do not use vehicle “lap-only” belt across front
of child.
Secure children in back seat whenever possible.Never leave child unattended.Install car seat securely.Do not use after date shown on back of
car seat.
Do not allow anyone (babysitter, relatives, etc.)
to use car seat without first understanding all instructions.
1
Registration Information
Safety First Check List
WARNINGS - Prevent serious injury or death:
2
x
Never use a vehicle “lap-only” belt across front of child.
Never put a car seat in a front vehicle seat unless recommended by vehicle owner’s manual. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) alerts vehicle owners that according to accident statistics, children up to age 12 are safer in the back seat. For vehicle’s with air bags, refer to vehicle owner’s manual for child restraint installation information.
If car seat is in a crash, it must be replaced. DO NOT use it again! A crash can cause unseen damage and using it again could result in serious injury or death.
Failure to follow these instructions and car seat labels can result in child striking the vehicle’s interior during a sudden stop or accident. Secure child restraint with a vehicle seat belt as shown in this manual.
Not all vehicle seat belts can be used with car seat. Read “Vehicle Seat Belts” section:
• Car seat with harness system MUST be held securely at all times by a lap belt (or lap belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt) that will not change length while driving.
• Car seat without harness system MUST be used with a lap/shoulder belt.
3
DO NOT use car seat if it is damaged or has missing parts.
DO NOT use accessories or parts other than those provided by Century or Graco. Their use could alter the function of the car seat.
Never leave child unattended, even when sleeping.
WARNINGS - Prevent serious injury or death (continued):
DO NOT use after date shown on back of car seat due to changing requirements and normal wear and tear.
Look for:
BASIC INFORMATION
With Harness System:
Car seat meets or exceeds all applicable requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.
Without Harness System:
Booster seat is certified for use in motor vehicles. Booster seat is NOT certified for use in aircraft.
Always secure car seat with a vehicle seat belt, even when unoccupied. An unsecured car seat can injure passengers.
Protect vehicle seat. Use a car seat mat, towel or thin blanket under and behind car seat.
Car seat parts can get very hot in the sun or warm weather.
To avoid burns, always check before putting child in car seat.
4
Do not use car seat on rear-facing or side-facing vehicle seats.
DO NOT USE
THIS CAR SEAT
AFTER DECEMBER
YEAR
Certification
Unoccupied Car Seat
Car Seat Useful Life
Dangerous Vehicle Seats
Vehicle Seat Protection
Warm Weather
HEIGHT and WEIGHT LIMITS
5
Outgrowing Car Seat
To avoid injuries from whiplash, top of child’s ears must be below top edge of headrest.
WARNING
Child MUST meet all of the following requirements:
• Weight is 20 - 40 lbs. (9.1 - 18.1 kg).
• Height is 27 - 43 inches (68.6 - 109.2 cm) tall.
• Child is able to sit upright unassisted
*
.
• Child’s shoulders are not above top harness slots.
Child MUST meet all of the following requirements:
• Weight is 30 - 80 lbs. (13.6 - 36.3 kg).
• Height is 35 - 52 inches (89 - 132.1 cm) tall.
• Child is able to sit upright unassisted
*
.
• Top of child’s ears are not above top of headrest.
Without Harness System
With Harness System
Without Harness System
With
Harness System
80 lbs.
(36.3 kg)
20 lbs. (9.1 kg)
30 lbs.
(13.6 kg)
40 lbs.
(18.1 kg)
*
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should be at least one year of age before being positioned forward facing.
Adjust car seat to semi-upright position and armrests to up position.
Place forward-facing on vehicle seat. Lift seat pad flap, thread vehicle seat belt
through openings and buckle belt (fig. a). Press down firmly in center of car seat to
compress vehicle seat cushion while tightening vehicle seat belt.
HINT: Use your knee to press down in center of car seat (fig. b).
Pull front to back and left to right to check for secure installation (fig. c).
If not secure, see “Vehicle Seat Belts” section. Attach tether hook (A) to anchor hardware (B)
and tighten strap to remove any slack (fig. d). If tether anchor hardware (B) is not available,
see “Installation of Anchor Hardware“ section.
INSTALLATION
- with harness system
1
3 4
2
6
(fig. a) (fig. b) (fig. c)
5
(fig. d)
6
Openings
(A)
(B)
Pull to
tighten
Adjust car seat to upright or semi-upright position and armrests to up or down position.
Place forward-facing on vehicle seating position with a vehicle lap/shoulder belt. See “Vehicle Seat Belts” section.
Tether may be used to stabilize booster seat:
Attach tether hook (A) to anchor hardware
(B) and tighten strap to remove any slack (fig. a).
If tether anchor hardware (B) is not available, see “Installation of Anchor Hardware“ section.
If not using tether, see “Tether Storage” section.
INSTALLATION
- without harness system
1
7
2
(fig. a)
(A)
(B)
Pull to
tighten
3
Adjust harness system:
Harness straps must be through slots at or just above shoulders.
Place child in car seat with child’s back flat against back of car seat.
Place harness straps over child’s shoulders and insert tongues into buckle.
Pull up on tongues to be sure they are locked.
Close harness tie:
Position harness tie at arm pit level.
Tighten harness straps so that they are snug with just enough room to insert one finger between child’s chest and harness straps (fig. a).
Thigh straps must also be snug (fig. b).
Position Head Support in center of car seat with ends pointing down and snap into belt slots above harness straps (fig. c).
To prevent serious injury or death:
• Vehicle seat belt must be routed through back of car seat when using harness system.
• Never place vehicle belt in front of child when using harness system.
• Do not use strap covers, blankets, cushions, or padding under harness straps or child unless provided by Century or Graco.
• Do not use harness straps that are loose or unbuckled. They must be snug and positioned over shoulders and thighs.
1
2
3
4
8
PLACING CHILD IN CAR SEAT - with harness system
WARNING
5
9
2
3
(fig. a) (fig. b) (fig. c)
PLACING CHILD IN CAR SEAT - with harness system (continued)
Remove harness system (see “Harness System ­removal and re-assembly” section).
Place child in car seat with child’s back flat
against back of car seat. Place shoulder belt across child’s chest.
Buckle belt and pull shoulder belt to adjust lap belt snugly.
Shoulder belt MUST lay across child’s shoulder in red zone as shown (fig. b). If outside of red zone, see next steps for Comfort Clip use.
CAUTION:
Some shoulder belts with (emergency locking) retractors allow a child to pull belt out and change position of belt. Use of Comfort Clip helps prevent child from pulling belt out.
Thread shoulder belt through Comfort Clip exactly as shown and hook end of Comfort Clip through proper loop of webbing (fig. c).
Check to be sure shoulder belt is properly positioned over shoulder in red zone and snug against child.
Position Head Support in center of car seat
with ends pointing down and snap into belt slots (fig. d).
To prevent serious injury or death:
• Shoulder belt MUST be properly positioned over shoulder (NOT touching child’s neck and NOT low off shoulder).
• Lap/shoulder belt MUST be properly positioned exactly as shown in illustration.
• DO NOT use shoulder belt loose or positioned under child’s arms (fig. a).
• Never use a vehicle “lap-only” belt across front of child.
• DO NOT allow child to slide down in car seat which could position lap belt across child’s abdomen and shoulder belt over neck or face.
• If child will not keep vehicle shoulder belt properly positioned, DO NOT use this booster car seat. Use a different child restraint system.
• Vehicle belts MUST lay flat against child and MUST not be twisted.
1 2
3
4
10
PLACING CHILD IN CAR SEA T - without harness system
WARNING
5
6
11
(fig. b)
(fig. d)
(fig. a)
PLACING CHILD IN CAR SEA T - without harness system (continued)
(fig. c)
Loops
OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS
12
Harness Tie:
• To open: Press tab and pull apart (fig. a).
• To close: Snap halves together. Make sure harness tie is locked by pulling out on each half.
Buckle:
• To lock: Insert both tongues into buckle. Pull up on tongues to be sure they are locked.
• To unlock: Press red button and pull tongues out of buckle.
Recline (fig. b):
• Recline: Slide tab on front of car seat to allow recline foot to drop down.
• Upright: Slide and hold tab on front of car seat while pushing recline foot up. Release tab to lock foot.
Armrests (fig. c):
• Push in button on side of car seat and rotate armrest up or down.
1
2
3
Tether Straps (fig. d):
• To tighten: Pull loose end of strap.
• To loosen: Lift adjuster.
Harness Straps (fig. e):
A To loosen: Lift adjuster bar and pull
harness straps from front of car seat to desired length.
or
To tighten: Lift adjuster bar and pull ends of harness straps down until all slack is removed.
B Pull harness straps on front side to lock
adjuster bar.
C When adjusting harness straps, pull
harness straps through tongues in buckle to remove all slack.
4
5
6
To prevent serious injury or death:
End of each strap must be at least 2 inches (5 cm) below metal plate (fig. h - page 15).
WARNING
13
(fig. a)
(fig. b)
(fig. c)
(fig. d)
Tighten
Adjuster
Loosen
OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)
(fig. e)
Adjuster
Bar
Loosen
Tighten
3
4
2
1
14
OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)
Changing Harness Strap Slots: MUST use slots at or just above shoulders.
A Lift adjuster bar and pull harness straps
out of current slots.
B Change harness strap slots.
Make sure harness straps are threaded through matching slot of seat pad and car seat.
It may be necessary to remove seat pad from top of car seat.
C Thread harness straps behind opening
in metal plate and adjuster bar (fig. f).
D Lift adjuster bar and thread straps over
adjuster bar, creating loop, and down behind metal plate (fig. g).
E Pull each end of harness strap down
at least 2 inches (5 cm) below metal plate (fig. h).
F Adjust harness straps to fit child (see ).
NOTE: Make sure straps are NOT twisted.
7
6
Changing Crotch Strap Slots: MUST be in slot closest to but not under child.
A Turn car seat upside down, pry metal
rod loose and pull rod out of crotch strap end (fig. i).
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage
webbing with screwdriver.
B Turn car seat upright and pull crotch strap
and buckle out.
C Change crotch strap slots.
Thread looped end of crotch strap through slots in seat pad and shell (fig. j).
D Slide metal rod through loop in crotch
strap and press into car seat shell (fig. k). NOTE: Use a hammer to tap rod if
necessary.
(fig. i)
(fig. j)
(fig. k)
15
(fig. f)
(fig. g)
Metal
Plate
(fig. h)
Minimum
2 inches
OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)
HARNESS SYSTEM - removal and re-assembly
16
Harness Removal:
•Lift adjuster bar and pull both harness straps out of current slots.
•Pull harness strap out of car seat, harness tie, and tongues.
Store all parts for future use.
Crotch Strap Removal:
•Turn car seat upside down, pry metal rod loose and pull rod out of crotch strap end (fig. i - page 15).
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage
webbing with screwdriver.
•Turn car seat upright and pull crotch strap and buckle out.
Re-assembly: When re-assembling harness system, be sure
harness straps are not twisted.
Thread end of harness strap down through slot in seat pad, across bottom and back up through slot in opposite side of car seat pad.
Thread ends through tongues or shields (available on some models).
Thread ends through harness tie.
Thread ends through desired slots and adjuster following instructions in “Operations and Adjustments” section.
Install buckle and crotch strap following instructions in “Operations and Adjustments” section.
1
2
3
4
5
17
1
4
(Without Shield
on some models)
2
HARNESS SYSTEM - removal and re-assembly (continued)
18
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS
If car seat with harness system is not held securely after following instructions in this manual, vehicle seat belt labels, and vehicle owner’s manual:
• Move car seat to another seating location and try again, or
• Contact vehicle dealer for possible seat belt modification parts.
Not all vehicle seat belts can be used
with a car seat:
• Car seat with harness system MUST be held securely at all times by a lap belt (or lap belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt) that will not change length while driving.
• Car seat without harness system MUST be used with a lap/shoulder belt.
WARNING
To provide the best installation of the car seat:
• Read the vehicle owner’s manual regarding car seat installation and seat belt use with car seat.
• Follow all instruction labels on vehicle seat belt and car seat.
19
With Harness System:
The locking latch plate on some seat belts may slip and loosen after being buckled on car seat if positioned at a certain angle. If this happens, flip latch plate over (fig. a) and re-buckle. Test installation again to see if this works. If not, move car seat to another seating position.
Without Harness System:
DO NOT use this type of vehicle seat belt to
secure child and booster car seat.
(fig. a)
Lap Belts - Manually Adjustable
Flip
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
With Harness System:
Lap belts with retractors may or may not hold a car seat securely.
Follow these steps to determine if you have a retractor system that will hold car seat securely:
a. Pull belt all the way out. b. Allow belt to retract about 6 inches (15 cm). c. Pull out on belt again.
If belt is locked and you cannot pull the belt out any further, you have an Automatic Locking Retractor which may be used with a car seat. Remember, when installing a car seat, pull belt all the way out, buckle belt, and then tighten.
If you can pull the belt out again (step c), you have an Emergency Locking Retractor which
must not be used with a car seat.
Without Harness System:
DO NOT use this type of vehicle seat belt to
secure child and booster car seat.
Retractor
Lap Belts - With Retractor
20
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
21
With or Without Harness System:
DO NOT use with any car seat.
Passive Restraint - Lap Belt with Motorized Shoulder Belt
With or Without Harness System:
DO NOT use with any car seat. Belts will not
stay tight while driving.
Passive Restraint- Lap or Shoulder Belt Mounted on Door
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
22
With Harness System:
Vehicle seat belts located forward of seat crease may not securely hold car seat. Check vehicle owner’s manual or see vehicle dealer for car seat installation requirements.
If approved for use with car seat by vehicle manufacturer, install car seat and check for secure installation by pulling car seat front to back. If car seat slides forward, DO NOT use these seat belts.
Without Harness System:
Lap/shoulder belts forward of the seat crease are OK to use. Follow vehicle owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to use vehicle seat belts.
DO NOT use lap only belts.
Seat Crease
Seat Crease
Belts Forward of Seat Crease
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
23
(fig. a)
Combination Lap/Shoulder Belt with Locking Latch Plate
With Harness System:
OK to use. Follow vehicle owner’s manual for
specific instructions on how to use vehicle seat belts.
The locking latch plate on some seat belts may slip and loosen after being buckled on car seat if positioned at a certain angle. If this happens, flip the latch plate over (fig. a) and re-buckle. Test installation again to see if this works. If not, move car seat to another seating position.
Without Harness System:
OK to use. Follow vehicle owner’s manual for
specific instructions on how to use vehicle seat belts.
Flip
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
(fig. a)
Combination Lap/Shoulder Belt with Sliding Latch Plate
Pull
24
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
With Harness System:
Pull on latch plate (fig. a). If belt slides freely through latch plate, a locking clip MUST be used. (See “Locking Clip”section.)
Without Harness System:
This vehicle seat belt system is OK to use with booster car seat.
Movement of the seat belt through the latch plate can allow an active toddler to slide down in car seat and re-position lap belt over abdomen and shoulder belt over neck or face which is dangerous.
A Locking Clip may be used on this type of vehicle seat belt to prevent movement of seat belt through latch plate limiting toddler’s movement:
Install car seat and adjust lap/shoulder belt snugly around child.
Hold seat belts together at latch plate (fig. b - page 25) then unbuckle.
Slide locking clip on seat belts approximately 1/2 inch (1 cm) away from latch plate (see illustration page 25).
Re-buckle seat belt.
1
2
3
4
You MUST use locking clip provided with car seat with a vehicle seat belt that slides freely through the latch plate or the lap belt cannot be tightly secured.
Install car seat and tighten vehicle seat belt. Hold seat belts together at latch plate (fig. a)
then unbuckle. Slide locking clip on seat belts approximately
1/2 inch (1 cm) away from latch plate. Re-buckle seat belt.
25
1 2
3
4
1/2 inch (1 cm)
Avoid serious injury or death:
• Failure to use locking clip where required will result in car seat not being securely held in place.
• Remove locking clip from seat belts when not being used with car seat.
•DO NOT use locking clip as a vehicle seat belt shortener.
WARNING
5
Locking Clip
(fig. b)
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
Test installation to see if car seat is secure. If not secure, additional belt tightening may be
required:
• Unbuckle vehicle seat belt.
• Hold belts together and remove locking clip.
• Shorten length of lap belt portion slightly by pulling belt through latch plate.
• Re-attach locking clip.
• Buckle vehicle seat belt.
HINT: Press car seat further down into vehicle seat cushion to help buckle vehicle seat belt.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Vehicle may already be equipped with a tether anchor (top strap anchor). See vehicle owner’s manual for location.
If vehicle does not have a tether anchor, one must be installed:
• Contact vehicle dealership for proper anchor location and installation.
• Before installing anchor, install car seat with harness system on a vehicle seat and check that the lap belt portion of the vehicle belt will hold car seat securely. If not, move car seat to another seating position.
If tether anchor hardware kit is not available at your vehicle dealership, one may be purchased at a local retailer or call Century at 1-800-837-4044.
Installation of Anchor Hardware
Avoid serious injury or death:
• Be sure anchor hole is properly sealed to prevent exhaust fumes and water from entering the vehicle.
• If you wish to remove anchor once child outgrows car seat, make sure hole is properly plugged or sealed to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
WARNING
26
27
For storage of tether hook if not used with a belt position booster:
• Adjust tether strap length so hook end is as short as possible.
• Roll up loose end of strap.
• Place rolled up strap on top of adjuster and place rubber band around bundle.
Tether Storage
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)
Removing Seat Pads:
If using harness system, remove harness system (see Harness System - removing and re-assembly” section).
Slide “J” hooks out of front slots.
Unhook elastic from “J” hooks.
Pull two button clips out (located on inside of seat pad) and pull pad off.
Pull attachment strip apart.
Removing Armrest Pads.
Pull attachment strips apart and pull pads off.
Reverse above steps for replacing pads and harness system.
Care & Cleaning
28
1
4
1
2
2
4
5
5
2
3
3
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)
5
Prevent serious injury or death:
• Buckle must be properly latched.
• Periodically inspect and clean buckle to remove objects or debris that could prevent latching.
WARNING
29
Seat Pad and Armrest Pads:
Machine-wash separately on gentle cycle and drip dry.
Harness Straps:
Surface wash only with mild soap and damp cloth.
If harness straps are frayed or heavily soiled, they MUST be replaced.
Shell:
Wipe with mild solution of soap and water. Avoid wetting labels.
Never use “household detergents”: they can weaken plastic.
Buckle:
Rinse buckle with warm water. DO NOT use household detergents. Never lubricate buckle.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)
Century advises against loaning or passing along car seat.
With Harness System:
This car seat is certified for use on aircraft when used with harness system (see label on car seat). Contact airline about their policy.
Use this car seat only on forward-facing aircraft seats.
Install car seat on an aircraft the same way it is installed in a vehicle except DO NOT use tether strap.
Without Harness System:
When used without harness system as a belt positioning booster seat, this restraint is not certified for use in aircraft because there is no shoulder belt available.
Aircraft Use
Second Hand Car Seat
Fold instruction manual.
Store in pocket.
If a part is damaged,
missing, or you need help
or replacement parts,
DO NOT return car seat
to the store.
CALL US FIRST
Call toll-free 1-800-837-4044
from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada
or fax at 1-610-286-4555.
or write us at:
Century Products
P.O. Box 100
Elverson, PA 19520-9974
Attention: Customer Service
Department
Pocket
Century Products
Graco Children’s Products Inc.
A Division of Newell Rubbermaid
Macedonia, Ohio 44056-2096
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